Chicago White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech is attracting interest from several teams. The hard-throwing 28-year-old RHP needs some fine-tuning. This season, he has a 2-6 record with a 4.91 ERA. Some teams that are interested in him are the New York Yankees, the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Kansas City Royals.
Chicago White Sox Closer Drawing Interest
Michael Kopech
#Yankees, #Royals, #Phillies among teams looking at hard-throwing #WhiteSox righty:https://t.co/JrSlOuVFVC pic.twitter.com/quM0VGQbPQ
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) June 14, 2024
The White Sox are looking like the number one seller’s team with the trade deadline remaining six weeks out. Kopech continues to be talked about amongst teams. Each team has moved forward with sending scouts to analyze and overlook Kopech’s pitching. Rival clubs understand that the Sox need controllable pitching in return. A controllable pitcher doesn’t rely on velocity compared to a power pitcher. This will be Kopech’s first season pitching as a reliever on a full-time basis. The White Sox moved Kopech to the bullpen in March of this year.
Kopech spent some time as a reliever in his career but overall has spent more time as a starter. He made 52 starts with the Sox in 2022-23. Kopech has taken on the role as the team’s go-to closer. Unfortunately, he’s only picked up five saves this season due to the team’s worst season. His bullpen role started on a positive note, but recently, he’s been struggling. He recorded eight earned runs over his past 6 1/3 innings, which has raised his ERA to close to five.
What Kopech Offers
Despite his struggles, Kopech still brings a lot to the table. He was once known as an elite pitching prospect. Kopech possesses a powerful weapon that makes him stand out. This season, he’s represented an electric 98.7 mph on his heater and struck out 32.3% of his opponents. Kopech’s 14.1% swinging-strike rate is much higher than the league average. However, his power arsenal presents some command issues that must be addressed.
Whichever team scoops up, Kopech can help him work on and fine-tune his command issues. Sometimes, a pitcher also thrives in a new environment. Kopech has walked 13.5% of his batters in 2024 and has recorded a displeasing 13.6% mark going back to 2022. In addition to his bat-missing ability, Kopech is a controllable and affordable pitcher on the market. He’s banking $3 million in 2024 and would be qualified for arbitration this winter. After the 2025 season, he would be a free agent. Kopech’s power arm would do many teams justice for some pennant chasers. Furthermore, Kopech would provide any team that is contending with a heater that can reach the triple mark.
Main Photo Credits: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
